Rishi Sunak refuses to budge on NHS pay as strikes continue

PM says rises could make inflation worse and states politicians should not cut across' independent pay review process

Rishi Sunak has refused to budge on NHS pay, saying that rises could make soaring inflation worse as he comes under growing pressure to negotiate with striking health workers.

The prime minister suggested that politicians should not cut across" the independent pay review process to boost salaries for nurses and paramedics even if it meant further damaging strikes this winter.